Sept. 24, 2012 – Hyundai Motor Co. is leasing 15 zero-emissions hydrogen-powered ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles to the Municipality of Copenhagen, supporting the Danish capital in its efforts to become carbon-free by 2025.

Hyundai and Copenhagen are a perfect fit for this deal, the first of its kind for the automaker. Hyundai is acknowledged as an industry leader in fuel cell technology and eco-friendly cars. Denmark is one of the world’s leading countries in the use of renewable energy. The deployment of the ix35 Fuel Cell in Copenhagen’s municipal fleet is a win-win for both parties.

"We are very proud that The Municipality of Copenhagen has chosen us as the supplier of hydrogen vehicles. We consider it as evidence that the municipality is aware of Hyundai’s leadership in eco-friendly vehicles,” said Niels Rønnebech, Managing Director of Hyundai Denmark. “The municipality deserves high praise for leading the way in helping to develop new technology.”

Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell is powered by hydrogen and is a true zero-emissions vehicle. A fuel cell stack of Hyundai’s design converts the hydrogen into electricity to turn the car’s motor. The vehicle’s only emission is water. The ix35 Fuel Cell is a powerful partner for public and private fleets that want to eliminate carbon emissions and a strong statement of their efforts to fight climate change.

The ix35 Fuel Cell has the drivability of the conventional car and the durability to stand the rigors of daily use in public and private fleets. It requires only a few minutes to fill up, has a top speed of 160 km/hr and a range that is nearly equal to its petrol-powered cousin.

Hyundai chose its popular ix35 CUV as the first vehicle for its fuel cell commercialization. The ix35 is a best-seller in Europe and among the first vehicles to display Hyundai’s award-winning Fluidic Sculpture design identity. The ix35 is popular with families and businesses, thanks to its driver-friendly performance and five-passenger seating.

Hyundai has spent 14 years and significant expense in research and development of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Denmark has a well-developed hydrogen infrastructure, making it the perfect starting point for fleet rollout of Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell. The ix35 Fuel Cell is well-acquainted with the Danish climate, with two test cars having logged 45,000 km on Danish roads in recent years.

Hyundai’s fuel cell program was launched in 1998 with a roadmap targeting commercialization of fuel cell vehicles by the end of 2012 and consumer sales by 2015.

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo has made the fuel cell program a top priority for the company, leading its efforts to produce eco-friendly mobility solutions and be a responsible corporate citizen.